Newcastle United were one of Manchester United’s early Premier League foes. Who could forget the titanic tussle between Kevin Keegan and Sir Alex Ferguson that, ultimately, ended in heartbreak for the Magpies.
The contest proved a sliding doors moment, with the Red Devils going on to dominate English football for years to come while Newcastle entered a period of decline. However, fast forward to the present and the two clubs are operating on a more even keel.
Eddie Howe’s men have won five of the last six contests across all competitions - two of those at Old Trafford. Only one of the sides are competing in the Champions League this season - and it is not the three-time European Cup winners.
Perhaps that is why, despite the poor away form in 2025-26, Newcastle fans are feeling somewhat optimistic ahead of the Boxing Day clash. Here is a combined starting XI made up of players from the two clubs - and the results are surprising.
1. GK - Nick Pope
Senne Lammens has done well, but Nick Pope's eats clean sheets for fun in the Premier League. | Getty Images
2. RB - Tino Livramento of N
Livramento or Noussair Mazraou is a no-brainer. | Getty Images
3. CB - Malick Thiaw
Arguably Newcastle's best signing of the summer transfer window. | Getty Images
4. CB - Fabian Schar
The toughest choice was choosing who to partner Thiaw out of the Newcastle contingent. Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro or Harry Maguire? Give me a break. | Getty Images